Chapter 4 textbook for cppds and cppds2

[zhytkovd]

Add a more profound explanation for -> notation syntax in C++.
For example: node->link means (*node).link()

[Austing767]

The concept of pointer notation -> is not present in Chapter 4. @pearcej, would you like me to do this suggestion where it is relevant in Chapter 2.5.1.

[pearcej]

@Austing767 I do agree with this issue. I believe pointers were introduced somewhere.... Use search to look for pointer to see where. The issue is about the meaning of "->" which isn't needed until you have classes.

[Austing767]

@pearcej, Reminder: transfer this question to the data structure book :)

[Austing767]

I have pushed a commit with a description about the arrow notation. If there are any comments, please let me know before making a PR.

In linked lists, we often use pointers to navigate between nodes. The -> operator in C++ provides a clean and efficient way to access members of a structure through a pointer. For example, node->link is equivalent to (*node).link, but the arrow notation improves readability and reduces syntax clutter. This operator is essential when working with pointer-based structures like linked lists.

@pearcej

[pearcej]

This is pretty good, but I think we also need it earlier. in the classes section of chapter 1, is there any natural place to put a description?

Also, I will want to wordsmith a bit.

In linked lists, we often use pointers to navigate between nodes. The -> operator in C++ provides a clean and an efficient way to access members of a structure through a pointer. For example, node->link is equivalent to (*node).link, but the arrow notation improves readability and reduces syntax clutter. This operator is essential typically used when working with pointer-based structures like linked lists.

[pearcej]

@Austing767

[Austing767]

I really could not find an acceptable place in 1.12 defining classes, but pointers are mentioned in 1.9. I could add a part about -> notation there in 1.9.4.1 Pointer Syntax. @pearcej

[pearcej]

The -> notation would not make sense until after classes are introduced since it references member variables or methods.

[Austing767]

The -> notation would not make sense until after classes are introduced since it references member variables or methods.

I'll try to find an acceptable place then

[pearcej]

@Austing767 I have looked and agree that there is no natural place in chapter 1 for this notation.

Chapter 4 might be best since in Chapter 4 one cannot access nodes without the pointers.

[Austing767]

@Austing767 I have looked and agree that there is no natural place in chapter 1 for this notation.

Chapter 4 might be best since in Chapter 4 one cannot access nodes without the pointers.

So I should remove the chapter 1 explanation and just keep chapter 4?
@pearcej